Football news

Veteran striker Pippo Inzaghi wants to extend his playing days at Milan with the signing of a new contract this summer.

"I have started just nine games this season but for me that's OK," Inzaghi, 36, said.

"I accepted whatever decision the coach made, but I want to try again next season. My hope is to remain with Milan."

Inzaghi's contract expires in June.

"I have a special relationship with this club," Inzaghi added.

"I also want to stay because I want to break Marco van Basten's record of goals with Milan. I'm only three short of that."

Pompey debts rise to £138 million

Portsmouth's administrator has confirmed that the club's total debt has risen to £138m after a further £17m claim from the taxman. The club should have around two-thirds of their debts written off however after a deal with creditors was thrashed out this week.

The creditors voted in favour of a company voluntary arrangement, a repayment deal where most will get just 20p in the pound over five years, but that should secure Portsmouth's future.

Under the Company Voluntary Agreement, the big losers would be former owners Sacha Gaydamak, Sulaiman Al-Fahim and Ali Al-Faraj, whose debts are unsecured.

Reds: Rafa meeting 'constructive'

Liverpool claim a meeting between manager Rafael Benitez, chairman Martin Broughton and managing director Christian Purslow has been "constructive".

The Spaniard was hoping to be given an idea of what transfer budget is likely to await him in the summer, although it is unlikely Broughton - as a non-executive director - has the authority to give definite assurances.

Benitez's departure appears to be becoming increasingly unlikely with his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon providing almost daily updates on the situation.

"At the moment it is more likely that Rafa will remain in England," he told calciomercato.it.

Nguemo keen to seal Celtic move

Landry Nguemo has urged Celtic to make his loan move from Nancy permanent before he goes to the World Cup. The Cameroon midfielder has begun talks with the Parkhead side over a reported £1.8m summer transfer.

Celtic have a first option on the 24-year-old, who joined them on a temporary transfer in September, but that expires on May 31.

Nguemo said: "I've really settled into life in Scotland and I hope I haven't played my last game for Celtic.

"I want to be here again next season and while there have been some discussions, it hasn't yet been sorted out. I want to play in Scotland and I want to play for Celtic."

Drogba says he's missing Marseille

Didier Drogba admits he misses Marseille but believes it would be hard to return to his former club. The Chelsea striker spent a season at Marseille before moving to Stamford Bridge in 2004.

In his brief time at the French club Drogba swiftly established himself as a firm fans' favourite as his 11 goals in Europe fired them to the UEFA Cup final.

"I miss Marseille. That's true," Drogba said.

"I have many friends there but I have already said, it would be hard to go back.

"Moreover, I would prefer to avoid this question because that could lead to misunderstandings, whether in France or in England."

World Cup 2014 will be safe - Brazil

Brazil's government insisted the 2014 World Cup in Rio will be safe for tourists through a concerted effort to bust the city's high crime rate.

"Brazil woke up early for these sporting events. We are going through a strong process of preparation in terms of security for the 2014 World Cup. We are training police and undertaking intense intelligence work," Justice Minister Paulo Barreto said.

The minister said Brazil had already spent $568 million over the past two years to try to reverse Rio's infamous reputation for crime, notably by pushing police into slums lorded over by ruthless drug gangs.

United to take on MLS All-Stars

Manchester United will take on Major League Soccer's All-Stars in the 2010 All-Star exhibition in July, capping a four-match North American tour.

The All-Star game will be played on July 28 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Prior to that United will play Scottish heavyweights Celtic on July 17 in Toronto, MLS's Philadelphia Union on July 21 and the Kansas City Wizards on July 25.

The tour will mark the first time United have played games in this region of the world since 2004.

"Manchester United are among the most recognised and successful clubs in the world, and we are pleased to have them compete against our All-Stars and two MLS clubs this summer," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said.